The AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC), who manages and operates Fire Controlman (FC) "C" school, recently hosted the FC Combat Systems Strategic Training Ratings Review (CSSTRR) at Vista Point Catering and Conference Center onboard Naval Station Norfolk, March 31 to April 2.

Twenty U.S. Navy commands and four ships, including USS Mahan (DDG 72), USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Leyete Gulf (CG 55), attended to discuss AEGIS FC rating, "A," "C," and Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) awarding schools, shipboard training, maintenance activity support, and fleet concentration waterfront training. Representatives from fleet and training commands, as well as community mangers from the Navy Personnel Command, attended the review.

The Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) oversees 14 learning sites, including ATRC, and is responsible for combat systems training across the rates of fire controlman, operations specialist, gunner's mate, sonar technician, mineman, interior communications electrician and electronics technician.

ATRC's Senior Instructor Master Chief Fire Controlman Jeffrey Clarke, who coordinated the rating review, says the review was a great platform to discuss the future of AEGIS training.

"The AEGIS FC CSSTRR was an opportunity for all interested stakeholders and those of us with history and experience in the AEGIS community to come together and identify any shortfalls across all aspects of the rating, in order to shape the training, manning, and readiness for future generations of AEGIS technicians," Clarke said.

Capt. Pete Galluch, ATRC commanding officer, says the objectives of the FC CSSTRR were achieved.

"The team conducted a three day in-depth review to lay the ground work for what will become a strategic plan outlining a career continuum for AEGIS Fire Controlman for Navy leadership review and consideration," Galluch said. "The strategy will be a significant move forward towards implementation of ready, relevant training."

The goals of the CSSTRR were to identify what aspects of the AEGIS FC continuum require improvement, look at ways to reduce accession training time, and investigate ways to implement technology in the process.

"The initial focus of the plan will be to increase effectiveness and efficiency of the current rate construct while continuing to examine and develop a long range plan for 2025 and beyond," Galluch explained.

CSCS Detachment West will host the next review, Gunner's Mate rating, at the Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN) April 28 - 30. It is critical that Senior Weapons Officers and enlisted GM Subject Matter Experts (SME), the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) community, and Senior Surface Warfare Officers attend.

"The reviews CSCS are hosting are not only important to our mission as a training command but to the U.S. Navy's as well," Galluch said.

AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) falls under the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) command. ATRC provides enlisted personnel with the knowledge, ability, and skill to operate and maintain the Aegis Combat System through timely, effective, and integrated training delivered across the Sailors' careers. ATRC also provides officers the knowledge, ability, and skill to operate, employ, and assess the readiness of the Aegis and Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) combat systems aboard surface warships.

In our ever-advancing world, ATRC utilizes a blended learning solution that includes standard classrooms, hands-on labs, simulations, as well as computer-based and interactive courseware training while still maintaining the training mission for the legacy Aegis fleet.

For information on the AEGIS Training and Readiness Center, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/atrc/

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